It’s high school graduation season! Whether they are headed to college or just leaving the nest, here is our list of the best affordable gifts for grads. Many are under $25!
🍕🚙 Uber/Uber Eats gift cards. Great for students who don’t have a car on campus or for meal delivery after the dining hall closes.
💰 Check for $20.25. Or, a $20 bill + a quarter. Also, you can make a cash gift of this amount, or if you’re feeling a bit more generous, give two twenties and the year number in dollar bills ($20 + $20 + $5), or even $2025 (we’re looking at you, grandparents!) Whatever you choose, most graduates will appreciate straight-up cash of any amount.
🛏 Gift card for dorm and apartment essentials. (Amazon, Target, Walmart, Ikea) Feathering the new nest, whether it’s a dorm or a new apartment, is a fun part of becoming a new adult. Students who will be heading straight to work or local training programs will still appreciate some help making their living space a little more grown-up.
🤒 Mini medical kit. When you’re not feeling well away from home, a medical supply kit can be just what the doctor ordered. Include bandages, a thermometer, a reusable ice pack, Emergen-C packets, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, gauze squares, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, and small scissors. You may also want to add a small bottle of acetaminophen or ibuprofen, Benadryl, DayQuil/NightQuil, and Tums for those first experiences of a cold or flu away from Dr. Mom (check with parent for contraindications). Or purchase a Welly Kit. Target (starts at $6.99)
🚪 Door stopper: Pair with a note that says: “Open the door to new friendships.” Amazon ($4.99 for a 4-pack).
🥤Reusable water bottles or tumblers with their new school logo. Most larger schools have spirit wear and accessories on Amazon.com, Fanatics.com and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Items from smaller colleges can be ordered through the campus bookstore.
💳 Gift card to the campus bookstore. Not sure what they will need? A gift card can be used for textbooks, college-branded hoodies, school supplies, and snacks.
⛽️⚠️ Gas card and roadside kit. For students who will be driving back and forth to school or work, a gas card and an auto safety kit can help keep them safe. Amazon Car Emergency Kit ($23.99)
🔅Twinkle lights. Every dorm room and apartment feels cozier with some fairy or LCD lights. Amazon ($12).
🛠 Tool kit. With a hammer and some screwdrivers, they can become the most popular resident on the hall as everyone has multiple things to assemble once they move in. Try this one from Ikea ($15.99).
🛄 Ikea tote bags. Available on Amazon or at Ikea, these durable yet lightweight blue bags are the workhorses of college moves. They hold a ton of clothes, towels, bedding, and shoes, and can even be worn as a backpack. They are also great for taking laundry to and from the laundromat. (Starts at $1).
🍳 The One Pan College Cookbook: Help your new adult learn some basic recipes to stay healthy and fed. Amazon ($9.99)
🍪 Cookie Request Card: Give the grad a postcard “menu” of cookie choices, and they send it back to you with their new address and their favorite selection. Bake cookies and mail. Here is a postcard template from Etsy. (Starts at $4 plus cost to make and send cookies.)
Bonus pro-tip for parents: Invest in one of these wagons at Costco or Amazon for hauling belongings from the parking lot to the new living space. It’s a great way to make new friends as everyone will want to borrow it.